James Michael Neal

James Michael Neal, 74 of El Paso, Arkansas departed this earth on June 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and devoted wife that never left his side. He was a great man in every sense, a loving husband, father, Bumpy to the grandkids and friend to a wide circle of lifelong friends, too many to list. A United States Navy Veteran, serving on the Missile Guided Cruiser, USS Albany CG-10, a member of the Arkansas Softball Hall of Fame, an avid Golfer, and the best dang chili makin’, gravy slingin’, deer camp cook there ever was. He could always be found on his tractor or side by side or in his shop tinkering around or building something where his motto was, “If it’s impossible, it will take a little longer”. Of all his many accomplishments he was most proud of his long and loving 58-year partnership with his “Me-shal”, leaving a legacy of a family that loves and laughs hard.

Born July 13, 1950, to Ausba Raymond and Inez Geraldine Neal in Melbourne, AR. He is preceded in death by both parents and sister, Marion Stafford.

He leaves to cherish his memory: the love of his life and wife of 53 years, Michelle Neal of El Paso, AR; son, James Michael Neal Jr., and wife, Tara; daughter, Misty Hill, and husband, Bryan, all of Beebe, AR; grandchildren, Calah Wisdom, and husband, Gus; Elizabeth Hill and fiancé, KJ O’Neill, Gage Neal and wife, Liv; Grace Neal and fiancé, Jarett Caillier; and Garrett Neal; great grandchildren Atticus Wisdom, and “on the way” K3 and Isla.

A Visitation will be held Thursday, July 3rd from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Charity Baptist Church, 250 Balding St., Ward, Arkansas, followed by the Funeral service at 3:00 p.m. A private graveside ceremony will be at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery 1501 West Maryland Ave, North Little Rock, AR 72120. 

To view the online register, www.smithfamilycares.com/westbrook  Arrangements by Smith Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe.

“I’ll wait on you like one hog waits on another” ~Mike